2 weeks: Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto

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2 weeks: Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto

My husband and I are setting off for our first trip to Japan together; it's his first time there, and my first as an adult. While our main motivation is sight-seeing and attending the Suzuka F1 Grand Prix, we also like to eat and would like to find chow that fits in our itinerary. Since the dollar-yen exchange rate is so unfavorable right now (for Americans at least), dinners of no more than 2500 yen per person would really be ideal; however, we're open to one nice dinner per city. We don't have any dietary restrictions, and while I do speak Japanese, my reading is rusty... so any place with patient service (while I try to decipher more complicated menus) would be a plus :)

Other questions before we get to the main event:- Since Kyoto is our last stop, that's also where I'd like to stock up on edible souvenirs to take home. Any recommendations on wagashi that's easy to take home?- While traveling, I find that I can easily spend a lot on water to keep me hydrated. Is it a good idea to stock up on bottled water at combini--what's the most economical option? Is it possible to get away with carrying a reusable aluminum bottle? I've had luck carrying it around in the US as fast-food courts and cafés have often honored my request to refill it with tap water. Would these sorts of places honor that request in Japan, or is there an alternative (filling it up at a public fountain or supermarket counter, for example)?

Feedback on current selections and recommendations are extremely welcome. Many thanks in advance ~

DAY 1--------Check into our Shiodome hotel in Tokyo in the afternoon and explore Ginza, stopping by a department store or two.

DAY 2 (most jam-packed day)--------Check out the Sunday flea market at Togo Shrine, then window-shop/people-watch along Harajuku and Aoyama/Omotesando. Head to Mitaka for the Ghibli Museum and finally head to Shinjuku to explore Isetan, and as the sun sets, go over to the TMG building to see nighttime Tokyo in its Bladerunner-rific glory.

*** BREAKFAST: (looking for combini/café options near Shiodome/Shimbashi station where I can pick up tasty onigiri or Western-style breakfast sandwich)

*** LUNCH : Maisen, although a back-up option in Omotesando is always welcome

DAY 3--------Up early in the morning to explore Tsukiji market (not dead set on witnessing the auction), then walk around Hama-Rikyu Teien before boarding the waterbus to sight-see in Asakusa. Afternoon is open until dinner back in Ginza.

*** DINNER: Sushi Kanesaka - reservations already made (splurge of the trip, and I figured it might be a neat wrap-up to conclude a day starting at Tsukiji at a Ginza sushi-ya).

DAY 4--------Hop over to Tokyo National Museum and Imperial Palace East Garden, and then explore Akihabara to be tempted by Nikon gear and watch hardcore gamers at the arcade. Evening is open to have dinner back in Ginza/Shimbashi/Tsukiji, or to continue exploring around Akihabara (Kagurazaka or Ikebukuro, maybe?).

DAY 5--------Tentative day trip to Kamakura, although I will also be watching the autumn leaf report to see if Nikko is tapping into its splendor at this time, as I would love to experience its natural beauty. Recs for either locale, please!*** LUNCH: ___*** DINNER: ___

DAY 6--------Depart Tokyo for Nagoya via shinkansen (Shinagawa) and reach Nagoya by afternoon.*** LUNCH: Tsukemen TETSU (really hoping to stop by here before the train departs for Nagoya)*** DINNER: Yamachan

DAY 7, 8, and 9--------------------Majority of the time will be spent at Suzuka Circuit. Meals in Nagoya around the main JR station would be most convenient for breakfast and dinner. Bento to bring to Suzuka would be nice, but I'm also intrigued by the offerings at the track itself, since they’re so different from what one would find back in the States.

DAY 11---------Kinkaku-ji, Daitoku-ji, Nijo Castle, with a possible stopover at the Manga Museum. In the evening we'll head to over to Osaka's Dotombori for a kuidaore-inspired night. We'll probably just let our noses lead the way, but if there are any takoyaki/okonomiyaki shops you think are special, it'd be much appreciated.

DAY 13---------Day trip to Iga Ueno Ninja Museum or Todaiji in Nara (concerned that my husband -- heck, even I -- will experience temple overdose by this point in our trip, so ninjas it is).*** LUNCH: ___*** DINNER: ___

DAY 15---------Depart Kyoto for late afternoon flight from Kansai International. If we haven't checked it out already earlier in the week, a stop at Nishiki Market will occupy our morning before our train ride and flight back home.*** LUNCH: ___